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Newbie Looking for Advice on Streaming Music

Hello Audiogon world.

I am new to this hobby but I think it will suit me well as it looks like it is an endless pursuit of perfection of sound without ever really getting there.  I love the endless possibilities, difference in thought, technology driven aspect mixed with old school art.

I am in the process of building my first 2 channel set up and recently picked up a Primaluna Dialogue HP and a pair of Sonus Faber Chameleons for starters.

Im looking to stream music from Tidal to the new equipment as simple as possible without compromising sound as much as I possibly can (budget permitting of course)

I have been doing some research and I must say this part of the equation is rather confusing with a lot of technical speak that gets brought into the discussion which is a bit overwhelming for a newbie trying to soak it all in.

Do I need to purchase a high quality DAC?
Can I just buy a streaming box like the Paradigm PW Link or Def Tech W Adapt and hook it into the Primaluna?
Do I go with the Halide Design DAC HD D/A Converter from computer straight into Primaluna?
I also read about the wyred4sound modified Sonos Connect.  Does that plus into a DAC or straight into Amp?

Apologies for all the newbie questions.  I did try searching and doing some research but found myself getting confused.  If someone could help me clear up what I will need that will set me on the path to researching the best value for my budget for each component I will need to accomplish my goals of streaming my music from Tidal.

Thanks in advance.  I think this will be a fun hobby!

Don

donblackie

Showing 1 response by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,496 posts
 
I, too, was overwhelmed by the digital/streaming move.
I wanted to get the best sound for the least money (don't we all?).
I ended up buying a pair of Bluesound Node (1's), and using an Ayre Codex for a DAC.
The Nodes allow me to have wireless connectivity throughout my home, while the Codex upgrades the sound reproduction. The nice thing about Ayre is that they usually offer upgrades to their products. (Which leads me to recommend another manufacturer-Schiit. A Gungnir or Yggy are fairly comparable to the Ayre. Schiit also offers upgrades, when available).
Okay, so if you are on a tight budget and can buy used.
A Bluesound Node (1) on Ebay is about $250 and an Ayre Codex can be had for about $1400, sometimes less.
For less than $2K, you'll have a really good setup that should be upgradable, too. DAC technology is moving fast, which is why I don't believe in spending big bucks on these units.
And, all the companies mentioned have great customer service.
Bob
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